Ripon Police Officer Mario Yist talking with suspect Erica Damian.

Photo courtesy Ripon Police/

Ripon Police Officer Mario Ysit on Monday responded to the 1200 block of Seventh Street regarding a theft. The victim said someone stole an iPad Mini, a GPS device and personal items from his unlocked vehicle during the night. The victim activated tracking software, embedded into the iPad Mini, which enabled officers to track the suspect’s movements.

Officers tracked the suspect to an apartment complex in the 500 block of North Stockton Avenue in Ripon. Officers questioned several tenants about activity in the area. The stolen iPad was located in the possession of a subject who gave differing accounts of how she “found” the iPad mini. Sgt. Don Luthey recovered additional stolen property at two associated locations.

Erica Marie Damian, 18, of Ripon was taken into custody without incident. Damian was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail on possession of stolen property charges.

Department spokesperson First Sergeant Steve Merchant said the department has recently seen a spike in vehicle burglaries. Citizens are being asked to lock and alarm their vehicles, and to remove valuables any time the vehicle is unattended.